As he rides to the field astride his Charger Agrippa, Dalan looks down at the slender black ribbon tied about his wrist. At the center of the favor is a small silver cross that he raises to his lips to kiss lightly. Grit, determination, and the favor of a woman far to beautiful to be given her's to Sir Dalan has carried him this far. Maybe it can take him just one round further. As the judge calls his name rides into position, As his opponent, Sir Colwyn of Bedwyn is called he salutes hims, but Dalan barely sees him. He just sees that shield. His target.

And so both knight's spur their horses and ride at each other. On the first pass it is very clear that, Sir Colwyn is the more skilled jouster. His form is perfect, Dalan's is not. But still he leans into his charge and he strike's his Knight of Bedwyn's shield with a great force, but quick thinking and deft riding have him quickly find his balance and stay in the saddle. The second and third passes tell a much different story. Dalan is rocked each pass, but each pass the big night manages to hold on defiantly! The crowd gasps as the joust goes into a 4th pass.

And it would turn out this would only be the half way mark. Sir Colwyn show's great technical precision, yet, Dalan just /refuses/ to fall from the saddle. So great is Sir Colwyn's frustration that eventually, Dalan finds his opponents shield on the 7th pass. The knight barely finds his balance in time to stay in the saddle.

When each knight turns for that 8th pass, it is cleary fatigue is setting in. SHoulders sag as the lance and shield become so much heavier, horses pant and even froth at the lips. Their dark coats glisten as they too sweat under this labor. And then the final pass comes. Sir Colwyn's lance connects with Dalan's s hield and sends him rocking back. He tries to hold on and to stay in his saddle, but while his will is solid, his body cannot obey him this time. Limbs numb he falls from the saddle and lands on his back. Giant toppled, a man unhorsed, as the judge exicitedly proclaims, "Sir Colwyn de Bedwyn is the victor!"